A Postdoctoral position is available on proteomic profiling of HacaT keratinocytes upon exposure to lantibiotics and other antimicrobial peptides(bacteriocins) of lactic acid bacteria.
Position: Stellenbosch University supports a system for postdoctoral research fellowships in line with its ideal for developing a stimulating research environment where new knowledge and skills can be developed, shared and applied to the benefit of the South African community. A postdoctoral position is available on proteomic profiling of HaCaT keratinocytes upon exposure to lantibiotics and other antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) of lactic acid bacteria. The fellowship is available in 2014 at R150 000 per annum (tax-free), with the possibility of extending the position for a further two years.
Research: The research group has extensive experience on bacteriocins and antimicrobial peptides of lactic acid bacteria, with more than 170 papers published in the field. A number of genes encoding these peptides have been identified and cloned. Recent results from our laboratory have indicated that nisin F, a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis, has an immune modulatory effect in vivo. This is in addition to our finding that nisin A accelerates the healing of excisional wounds and possibly stimulates the immune system. Our findings have shown that nisin has the ability to boost the host's immune system and prevent bacterial infection.
The laboratory has conducted a vast number of studies on the application of lantibiotics in the treatment for bacterial skin infections and wound healing. Antimicrobial peptides have been incorporated into a nanofiber wound dressing, which has been patented in more than 20 countries (PCT/IB2010/054653).
The research project, which runs over 2-3 years, will focus on the proteomic changes in HaCaT keratinocytes upon exposure to a specific set of lantibiotics. The question is whether these antimicrobial peptides can mimic the HDP and boost the immune response. The mechanisms behind the reaction will be studied. Another crucial step in the research is toxicity studies. The candidate will have to conduct in-depth studies on the genes involved in the expression of, immunity against, and secretion of these peptides, and the genetic manipulation of lactic acid bacteria. Screening of newly isolated lactic acid bacteria for the production of novel antimicrobial peptides will also lead to strain identification and may thus entail a detailed taxonomic study. Allthough much of the research is fundamental, our focus remains set at the industrial application of the end product (antimicrobial peptide) or the strain itself.
Requirements: A Ph.D. in Microbiology obtained within the past five years, with a strong background in lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocins (including lantibiotics), molecular biology, tissue culture research, nanotechnology and in vivo image analyses.
Applications: A cover letter and a detailed curriculum vitae has to be e-mailed to: Prof LMT Dicks, Department of Microbiology (E-mail: lmtd@sun.ac.za).
Closing date for applications: 7 February 2014.
